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A breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment can affect more than just physical health. Many survivors experience ongoing emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, changes in body image, fatigue, and a reduced quality of life. Recovery often involves caring for both the body and the mind.

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Creative and expressive therapies are increasingly recognized as valuable forms of supportive cancer care. These approaches use creativity and self-expression to help individuals process emotions, build coping skills, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing. They can be used alongside medical treatment and other supportive therapies and are not intended to replace medical or psychological care.

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Importantly, you do not need to be artistic or creative to benefit from these activities. The focus is on the experience of creating, expressing yourself, and exploring emotions—not on producing a finished piece of artwork.

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What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses visual art-making to support emotional expression, communication, and healing. It is facilitated by a trained art therapist, who helps individuals use creative activities to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences that may be difficult to express with words alone.

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Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves the use of visual art-making (drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, etc.). In a therapeutic setting Art Therapy (AT) uses visual art-making for expression and communication and has been shown to reduce psychological and physical symptoms in individuals with cancer. Emotion processing is a potential mechanism through which reduction of depression and somatic symptoms in cancer patients can occur. The use of art as a mechanism to visualize, understand and make meaning from illness and disease is not a recent phenomenon. Although the literature is limited on the therapeutic role of viewing art, many patients and artists have begun to describe the benefits and usefulness of engagement in art-related activities in creating meaning from the experience of illness. Art therapy (with an art therapist) and art-making (without an art therapist) shows promise as avenues for psychosocial support for women with breast cancer. 

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Creative and expressive therapies are increasingly recognized as valuable components of supportive cancer care. These approaches include art therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, creative writing, reflective practices, and other forms of creative expression. Research suggests that participation in these activities may help reduce anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, and social isolation while improving emotional wellbeing, self-expression, coping, and overall quality of life. For many cancer survivors, creative activities provide a meaningful way to process their experiences, reconnect with themselves and others, and find enjoyment during and after treatment.

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Art therapy may involve activities such as:

• Painting

• Drawing

• Sculpting

• Clay work

• Collage

• Mixed media artwork

• Creative crafts

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Creating art can help people visualize their experiences, make sense of illness, express complex emotions, and develop new ways of coping. The use of art to understand illness and create meaning has existed across many cultures for centuries and continues to play an important role in supportive healthcare today.

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Research has shown that art therapy can help reduce psychological distress and physical symptoms in people living with cancer. One reason it may be effective is that it encourages emotional processing—the ability to recognize, express, and work through difficult emotions—which may contribute to improvements in depression, anxiety, and overall wellbeing.

It is also important to distinguish between art therapy and art-making:

• Art therapy is led by a qualified art therapist and is considered a form of psychotherapy.

• Art-making refers to creative activities completed independently or in groups without a therapist. While not psychotherapy, art-making can still provide meaningful emotional, social, and psychological benefits.

Both art therapy and recreational art-making show promise as supportive approaches for women living with and recovering from breast cancer.

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Creative Approaches Supported by Research

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Creative therapies come in many forms, allowing individuals to find activities that match their interests, abilities, and comfort level.

 

Art Therapy and Creative Art-Making

Art therapy and creative art-making use visual arts to encourage self-expression, emotional exploration, and relaxation.

Activities may include:

• Painting

• Drawing

• Colouring

• Watercolours

• Collage

• Sculpture and clay work

• Photography

• Textile arts and crafts

 

These activities can help individuals express feelings that may be difficult to put into words, reflect on their cancer journey, and reconnect with their sense of identity. Many people also find that creating art provides a welcome distraction from worry, promotes mindfulness, and offers a sense of accomplishment.

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Research suggests that art therapy and creative art-making may:

• Reduce anxiety and depression

• Decrease emotional distress

• Improve mood

• Enhance coping skills

• Promote resilience

• Improve overall quality of life

 

Music Therapy

Music therapy uses music-based activities to support emotional, physical, cognitive, and social wellbeing. It is delivered by a trained music therapist, although many people also benefit from informal musical activities.

Music-based activities may include:

• Listening to music

• Singing

• Playing instruments

• Songwriting

• Guided music therapy sessions

• Relaxation with music

 

Music can help regulate emotions, reduce stress, and create opportunities for self-expression when words feel difficult. Group music sessions may also strengthen social connection and reduce feelings of isolation.

 

Research suggests music therapy may help:

• Reduce anxiety and stress

• Improve mood

• Reduce symptoms of depression

• Decrease pain and fatigue

• Promote relaxation

• Improve quality of life

 

Dance and Movement Therapy 

Dance and movement therapy combines gentle physical activity with creative expression. Rather than focusing on dance ability or performance, these programs encourage individuals to move in ways that feel comfortable and enjoyable.

Dance-based activities may include:

• Dance therapy

• Creative movement

• Gentle dance classes

• Mindful movement

• Stretching with music

 

For many breast cancer survivors, treatment can change how they feel about their bodies. Dance and movement can help rebuild confidence, improve body awareness, and reconnect individuals with their physical selves.

 

Research suggests dance and movement programs may:

• Improve body image

• Increase physical function

• Reduce fatigue

• Improve mood

• Enhance quality of life

• Increase confidence and self-esteem

 

Studies have shown mixed results for reducing anxiety and depression specifically, but many participants report enjoying the social interaction and sense of empowerment these programs provide.

 

Reflective Writing, Poetry and Journaling  

Writing provides another creative way to process emotions and experiences. Expressive writing encourages individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe, personal way.

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Activities may include:

• Journaling

• Poetry writing

• Storytelling

• Letter writing

• Gratitude journals

• Reflective writing prompts

 

Writing allows survivors to organize their thoughts, reflect on their experiences, identify personal strengths, and make meaning from their cancer journey.

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Research suggests reflective writing may:

• Reduce emotional distress

• Improve coping

• Support emotional processing

• Promote resilience

• Improve psychological wellbeing

• Enhance quality of life

 

Although fewer studies have examined poetry-based interventions specifically, early evidence suggests they may have positive effects on anxiety, depression, body image, and overall wellbeing.

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Mindfulness and Creative Reflection

Mindfulness and creative reflection combine creative activities with present-moment awareness. These approaches encourage slowing down, observing thoughts without judgment, and engaging fully in the creative process.

Examples include:

• Mindful drawing

• Zentangle

• Photography

• Nature journaling

• Mandala colouring

• Creative mindfulness exercises

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These activities can help reduce stress while encouraging relaxation, self-awareness, and emotional balance.

Research suggests mindfulness-based creative practices may:

• Reduce stress

• Improve emotional wellbeing

• Promote relaxation

• Increase self-awareness

• Complement other supportive therapies

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What does Research Show? 

Growing evidence supports the use of creative therapies as part of comprehensive cancer survivorship care.

A 2025 systematic review examined 31 randomized controlled trials involving breast cancer survivors and found:

• Visual art interventions consistently improved anxiety, depression, and quality of life.

• Music-based interventions also demonstrated significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life.

• Dance and movement programs improved body image and quality of life, although their effects on anxiety and depression were less consistent.

• Poetry and creative writing showed promising benefits across several psychological outcomes, but more research is needed because relatively few studies have been conducted.

 

Overall, the evidence suggests that creative therapies are safe, accessible, and meaningful ways to support emotional wellbeing during breast cancer recovery.

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Creative and expressive therapies offer many breast cancer survivors an opportunity to heal beyond the physical effects of cancer. Whether through painting, music, movement, writing, or other creative activities, these approaches can foster emotional expression, reduce distress, strengthen coping skills, and improve quality of life.

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There is no "right" way to participate, and no artistic ability is required. The goal is simply to engage in a creative process that feels meaningful, enjoyable, and supportive of your wellbeing.​​​​​​​

 

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